Anthropological field methods can be adapted for use by preservice teachers to help them link macro-sociological perspectives about education with practical outcomes in the schools. First-year education students analyzed information based on observation of secondary school classrooms as part of a sociologically-oriented course. (Author/PP)

Discusses the design considerations, research methodology, nature of the samples, and details of the statistical analysis in a study of the effect of classroom environment on learning among junior high school students. Results indicate that achievement is greater in classroom environments which are similar to the student's preferred environment.…

Determined effect of testing frequency on data obtained using intensive time-series design. Eighth-grade, earth science student attitudes toward science class and class achievement data were not affected by frequency of data collection. Results of a previous study were also replicated, giving increased confidence in validity of data yielded by the…

Differentiating between time-series design and time-series analysis, examines design considerations and reanalyzes data previously reported by Mayer and Kozlow in this journal. The current analysis supports the analysis performed by Mayer and Kozlow but puts the results on a somewhat firmer statistical footing. (Author/JN)

Discriminant analysis is applied to data from previous research dealing with assessing the particularities of cognitive development in young (four to nine years old) Montagnais Indians and French Canadians. The most important future contribution of discriminant analysis to intercultural research will be its ability to conceptualize group…

Concerns about misuse of "poor self-concept" are expressed. Criticisms center around uncertainty of basic assumptions about values Blacks and Indians place upon themselves, and particularly on deemphasis of that part of self-concept dependent on group identity. Before educators can talk about bolstering poor "self-concepts," certain socioeconomic…

Using their own 1978 national survey sample, the authors describe the social and demographic characteristics, psychological needs, and television viewing behaviors of persons who exhibit each of 14 patterns of leisure activities. The patterns were isolated through factor analysis and clustering techniques. (Author/RM)

A Mega Model of Planned Change in education and social development is presented. The Mega Model consists of eight elemental models, which systematically deal with various aspects of complex change processes. Characteristics and applications of the CLER elemental model (configurational relationships, linkages, environments, resources), the basic…

To reduce test anxiety, students were given increased information about the probable question types on end-of-unit examinations. Two experimental testing formats, a combination of the two, and the typical practice of providing no additional information were compared. Results show that additional information can reduce anxiety but not necessarily…

A six-year evaluation of the long-range benefits of bilingual education illustrates the utility of time series and between-group variance for programs involving linguistic and ethnic minority populations. Through the described Individualized Bilingual Instruction children were brought to a level of balanced bilingualism in approximately a…

Describes behavior analysis as a radical approach for solving educational research problems that prebehavioristic social science has not solved; compares the methodology and assumptions of behavior analysis and conventional social science research; and suggests that misinformation has resulted in an irrational bias against behaviorism among…

Methodological weaknesses are found in previous research on college impact on student religious beliefs. A new, longitudinal study with control groups suggests no distinctive impact--change in religious orientation is multidirectional. It is suggested that this is because college attendance has no distinctive effect on students' reference groups.…

Presents the social indicators approach (which infers needs from currently existing descriptive data) and the key informants technique (which secures information from individuals with insight into community needs) as alternatives to the community needs assessment survey. Considers both approaches more cost-effective and successful for diagnosing…

Reports on a study in which attempts were made to instantiate the same task in a series of classroom lessons and activities and which used two process coding systems to evaluate teacher performance. Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each type of coding system. (FL)

Reviews present and potential uses of videotape technology in behavioral research. Emphasis is placed on research methodology and the value of incorporating videotape in current research practices, including behavior observation studies, in modeling research, and in perceptual attribution investigations. Concludes with an analysis of advantages…